This year marks the 34th annual presentation of a masterwork on the part of the Cross Timbers Civic Chorale. It is a departure from past concerts as the ensembles venture to perform the music of Italy and France rather than portions of George Frideric Handel’s Messiah.

The choirs, under the direction of Dr. Troy Robertson, will perform Vivaldi’s well-known setting of the Gloria portion of the Latin Mass. “The selection is a great Baroque work, and a perennial favorite for choirs the world over,” he said.

“Francis Poulenc’s stunning setting of the same text is rich with modern orchestral color,” said Robertson. “Poulenc’s wit and humor make appearances in the succinct opening Gloria and Domine fili unigenite movements, while the final movement, in particular, showcases his command of the full forces available in the orchestra—very large woodwind and brass sections combine with deep divisions in the strings to create a tonal palette both subtle and moving.”

This weekend’s performance is made possible with support from Tarleton and Stephenville community.

Admission is $12 and tickets are on sale in the box office, Monday through Friday from 2-6 p.m., and on Saturday, Nov. 23, when the box office opens at 6 p.m. For more information, call the box office at 254-968-9634.